(Bangor, Maine, Oct. 2, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced the selection of Brittany Hummel as the new state conservationist in Maine. Hummel will begin the position on Oct. 4, 2026.

“Brittany brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role – from the local to the national level,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. “With her extensive experience and commitment to locally led conservation, Brittany is well prepared to support Maine’s producers and keeping working lands in working hands.”

Since 2013, Hummel has worked for NRCS in increasing levels of responsibility including soil conservationist, district conservationist, resource conservationist for programs, and assistant state conservationist for field operations. Hummel most recently served as acting State Conservationist for Maine.

“I am honored to serve the producers, Tribes, and communities of Maine,” Hummel said. “I look forward to strengthening conservation efforts that support our productive working lands and our exceptional natural resources for generations to come.”

She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota where she double majored in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Policy & Law. She also received minors in Forest Resources and American Indian Studies.

Hummel received her Master of Science degree in Forest Resources from the University of Maine, Orono, in 2008. After graduate school, she worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before joining NRCS in Minnesota.

She lives in Veazie, Maine, with her family.  

For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat.  NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, technical advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.      

 
###